Quetiapine in Specific Phobia

The study hypothesis is that quetiapine XR has anxiolytic properties. The study aims to investigate the putative anxiolytic properties of quetiapine XR in patients with anxiety disorders. Therefore, in a proof-of-concept design patients with simple phobia will be selected to investigate specific anxiolytic and antipanic activity during acute anxiety. Moreover, in a combined fMRI/visual stimulus presentation paradigm activity of fear-network associated brain structures such as the amygdala will be investigated under treatment with quetiapine XR or placebo. Additionally, genetic factors potentially mediating anxiolytic properties of quetiapine will be studied.